The Nigerian Military has blamed suspected local informants for allegedly leaking movement information of Nigerian troops to Boko Haram terrorists, leading to the killing of over 70 soldiers in the terrorists’ ambush.
PRNigeria gathered that the terrorists relied on the information provided to them by the informants to prepare for a reprisal after a successfully onslaught against them in Alagarno axis of Borno State.
Recall that the terrorists had staged an ambush and shot at military logistics trucks conveying fuels and ammunitions in the area.
The attack on the trucks triggered massive explosions that led to the death of 47 gallant troops of the Nigerian military.
Reacting to the development at an emergency press briefing, the Coordinator of Directorate of Defence Media Operations, DDMO, John Enenche said that between March21 and 23, the troop had embarked on clearance fighting patrol operations in the state.
According to him, during the operations, a lot of casualties were recorded on the part of the terrorists.
“However, during a consolidation operation, they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists, BHT.
“Sadly, the Nigerian military suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack.
“However the Air Component of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE scrambled immediately and provided Close Air Support to the ground troops.
“While the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, platform as well as the fighter jets engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists immobilising killing some of the terrorists and immobilizing a gun truck. Some others who attempted to withdraw, were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.
“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation,” Mr Enenche, a major-general, said.
